countyscore
46.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.1Schools 69.7Income & Jobs 53.5

County Report Card

About Delta County, Texas

Delta County nears the national median

Delta County earns a 47.3 composite score, placing it just shy of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a balanced quality of life relative to the rest of the country.

Outperforming the Texas state average

Delta County is a strong performer in Texas, with its 47.3 score exceeding the state average of 41.9. It stands out as a more livable option than many of its more urban neighbors.

Low environmental risk and strong schools

The county shines with a risk score of 91.1 and a school score of 69.7. Its low effective tax rate of 0.975% provides significant financial relief to homeowners.

Water infrastructure and health access lag

The water score is a low 15.3, indicating potential concerns with utility quality or access. Health scores also remain modest at 32.6, suggesting room for improvement in medical services.

A great fit for safety-seeking families

Delta County is perfect for families prioritizing safety and good schools in a low-tax environment. The $149,400 median home value makes it an accessible choice for middle-income earners.

2040608010039.439.74732.669.753.591.115.338Tax39.4Cost39.7Safety47Health32.6Schools69.7Income53.5Risk91.1Water15.3Weather3846.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Delta County DNA

Foverall

How Delta County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Delta County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (15.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.4-12.600000000000001
Cost
39.7-8.299999999999997
Safety
47-8
Health
32.6-17.4
Schools
69.7+15.700000000000003
Income
53.5
Risk
91.1+44.099999999999994
Water
15.3-42.7
Weather
38-18
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Delta County?

Many homeowners in Delta County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$945/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,575/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Sevier County
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Nearby counties

Hopkins County
Texas
46.5
Lamar County
Texas
35.8
Franklin County
Texas
44
Fannin County
Texas
45.7
Hunt County
Texas
31.6
Rains County
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46.9
Titus County
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38.1
Red River County
Texas
47.9

Deep Dives

Delta County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Delta County

via TaxByCounty

Delta's low rate puts it in lowest 15%

Delta County's 0.98% effective tax rate is just 13% above the national median of 0.87%, making it among the most tax-friendly counties nationwide. The median property tax of $1,456 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, even for homes worth $149,400.

Among Texas's lowest-taxing counties

Delta County ranks in the bottom quarter of Texas counties by effective tax rate at 0.98%, substantially below the state average of 1.28%. Homeowners pay $1,456 in median taxes—34% less than the statewide median of $2,193.

One of North Texas's best tax deals

Among nearby counties, Delta (0.98%) undercuts Dallas (1.68%), Denton (1.72%), and most regional competitors. Only a handful of rural Northeast Texas counties rival Delta's tax efficiency.

Median home costs just $1,456 yearly

A Delta County home valued at $149,400 generates only $1,456 in annual property taxes at the 0.98% rate. This favorable burden reflects the county's lean municipal structure and agricultural-based economy.

Even low assessments can be appealed

Even in tax-friendly counties like Delta, some homeowners face overassessed properties, particularly recent home sales or renovations. A free appraisal review from Delta County's appraisal district could confirm your home's fair market value and prevent overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delta County

via IncomeByCounty

Delta approaches national income

Delta County's median household income of $62,855 falls 15.9% short of the national median of $74,755, though it performs better than many rural Texas peers. The county's per capita income of $31,640 sits below the national average but reflects a more balanced regional economy.

Slightly below Texas average

Delta County's median household income of $62,855 trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by just 2.8%, placing it near the middle of Texas counties. Its per capita income of $31,640 nearly matches the state average of $33,197, suggesting relatively balanced economic distribution.

Outearns rural Northeast Texas

Delta County outpaces neighboring rural counties like Morris and Cass, benefiting from proximity to larger employment centers and more diversified local business. The county's income advantage reflects a mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service-sector employment.

Housing remains very affordable

At 16.4%, Delta County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the healthiest in the state, well below the 20% threshold for affordable housing. A median home value of $149,400 makes homeownership accessible to median-earning households, supporting wealth accumulation.

Leverage affordable housing equity

Delta County's affordable housing creates an excellent opportunity for residents to build home equity and wealth through homeownership without overextending finances. Reinvesting savings from lower housing costs into retirement accounts or home improvements multiplies long-term wealth gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Delta County

via CrimeByCounty

Delta County Boasts Superior Safety

Delta County is one of the safest regions in the country, with a total crime rate of 1,193.6 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly half of the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county an impressive safety score of 98.1. For residents, this translates to a very high level of daily peace of mind.

A Top Performer in Texas Safety

With a safety score of 98.1, Delta County far exceeds the Texas average score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,193.6 is significantly better than the state average of 2,052.5. Local law enforcement agencies maintain a secure environment that stands out on the Texas map.

Safe Haven Compared to Regional Centers

Delta County’s crime rate of 1,193.6 is exceptionally low compared to the 4,397.7 seen in nearby Denton County. Even when compared to Dallas County's 1,314.8, Delta remains the safer choice. These numbers reflect a quiet, secure community with minimal criminal activity.

Property Crime Remains the Main Concern

Violent crime is low at 246.3 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal, sitting at 947.3 per 100,000 residents. Most reported incidents in Delta County involve minor property disputes or non-violent thefts.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

While Delta County is extremely safe, basic property maintenance like locking doors and garages is always recommended. Because theft remains the most likely issue, visible security signs can discourage the few opportunistic criminals in the area. Enjoy the security of Delta County while staying reasonably vigilant.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Soil Quality in Delta County

via SoilByCounty

A unique soil mystery in North Texas

While specific pH and taxonomic data are limited for Delta County, it sits within a region typically known for heavy clay and loamy soils. Local growers usually encounter the blackland prairie characteristics common to the surrounding areas.

Limited texture data for specific analysis

Quantitative data for sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this county. However, historical agricultural success in the area suggests a mix that supports both row crops and pasture land.

Potential for high agricultural productivity

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity are not specified in recent surveys. Despite the missing numbers, the county maintains a tradition of productive farming and ranching across its rural landscape.

Management through traditional drainage methods

Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are not recorded in this dataset. Local land management often relies on historic knowledge of how these North Texas soils move water during seasonal floods.

Abundant rainfall and long Zone 8b seasons

Delta County enjoys a long growing season in USDA Zone 8b. You can grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits; just be sure to test your specific plot's soil to fill in the data gaps for your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Delta County

via LawnByCounty

Wet Climate, Tough Challenges

Delta County scores a 43.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it above the state average of 31.7 but below the national midpoint. This hardiness zone 8b region benefits from high rainfall but currently faces significant environmental stress. Achieving a perfect lawn here requires balancing the generous precipitation with extreme drought episodes.

Abundant Rain but Intense Summer Sun

At 47.9 inches per year, Delta County receives some of the highest precipitation in the state, sitting at the top of the ideal range for grass growth. However, 92 days of extreme heat still pose a risk for turf dehydration during the summer months. Gardeners should plan for high-growth periods punctuated by sudden heat stress.

Understanding Local Soil Needs

While specific soil composition data for Delta County is limited, nearby regions suggest a mix of clay and loam that requires regular aeration. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine their specific pH levels and nutrient needs before planting. Proper drainage is especially important given the county's high annual rainfall.

Severe Drought Hits Hard

Despite high rainfall averages, the county is currently 100% under severe D2+ drought conditions and has seen 19 weeks of drought this year. This highlights the erratic nature of Texas weather, where floods often follow periods of extreme dryness. Implementing a rainwater harvesting system can help sustain your lawn during these harsh severe drought spells.

Maximize the Growing Potential

In zone 8b, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda are the most reliable choices for the local climate. While local frost dates are variable, most planting occurs in the mid-spring when soil temperatures consistently rise. Leverage the natural high rainfall of the region to help your lawn establish deep, resilient roots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delta County's county score?
Delta County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Delta County rank among counties in Texas?
Delta County ranks #94 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Delta County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Delta County is $1,563, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Delta County a tax score of 39.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Delta County?
The median household income in Delta County, Texas is $66,575 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Delta County earns an income score of 53.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Delta County, Texas a good place to live?
Delta County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Delta County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Delta County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.